Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Create the Future
Chapter 9: Darkness of the Unknown
November 5, 2314 A.D: Earth Federation Capital, Emergency Countermeasures Bureau
The President sat at the table and collected her thoughts. Six other government officials had arrived as quickly as possible to address the emergency. There were of course others that had been or needed to be notified, but in this room were the ones who could get down to work. They needed to decide what course of action to take in light of Descartes Shaman's disappearance. Having just revealed the existence of Innovators, the Federation couldn't allow their only known Innovator to have vanished in such circumstances. Such a blunder would damage the new government's reputation.
The severity of the situation had already sunk in to the members in the room. Once the doors had closed, the Vice President and Defense Secretary wasted no time getting into a heated argument. Like with any national emergency, blame was going to be thrown around.
"Captain Shaman's safety should have been your top priority! How could you let this happen?" The Vice President screamed.
"How could I? None of this would have happened if you stopped the media from announcing Captain Shaman's return to duty. The public did not need to be aware of such details," the Defense Secretary fired back.
The Vice President leapt from his seat. "Are you blaming us for your incompetence? If you had assigned more security to the captain's ship, we wouldn't be in this mess!"
"That is enough from the both of you," the President cut in, bringing silence to the room. While she had hardly raised her voice, the authority in it was enough to quell the argument. The President was no stranger to the vehement arguing that happened within the government. However, now was not the time for such foolishness.
"You can bicker with each other after we have resolved the situation," the President said. She turned to the Director of Intelligence. "You've have been sure to keep this news from leaking out, correct?"
The Director nodded. "Yes, Madam President. We've been properly cautious once we received the report."
"Captain Shaman's status must not be revealed to the public. As far as the world is concerned, the captain is on active duty aboard the Celestial Being," the President said.
With the public knowing that Captain Shaman was returning to duty, they could at least be able to hide his disappearance or, and she prayed this wasn't the case, death for the near future. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before the media wanted to hear from the captain or began asking questions. Descartes Shaman was now their spokesman for the Innovators. They could only hide his disappearance for so long before his absence became suspicious.
"That much we can agree on," The Director of Intelligence responded.
"Has a cover story been prepared?" The Vice President asked. The public would only be kept unaware if the government took the necessary precautions. Hopefully, they would be able to locate Captain Shaman before it was too late.
The Defense Secretary nodded and adjusted his glasses. "Yes. Officially, we've stated that there was a malfunction on the returning transport ship that caused an accident upon reentry. We'll be making preparations to prove the story. Captain Shaman will be listed as active duty aboard the Celestial Being mothership."
The Vice President raised an eyebrow. "Is that the best you can come up with?"
"It will be enough for now," The Defense Secretary replied cooly. "By all means, come up with your own explanation."
The Director of Intelligence turned his attention towards the president. "There is an issue I believe we must bring to attention. We must think of the possibility of Celestial Being's involvement."
Another silence enveloped the room. It had been two years since Celestial Being had last been seen. Depending on how this situation panned out, the private armed organization might make a reappearance. As much as the President wanted to adhere to the current administration's ideals and policies, there was no telling what could happen should Celestial Being make their presence known regardless of whose side they were on.
The President looked over at the Defense Secretary. "Has the military been preparing for a possible confrontation with Celestial Being?"
The Defense Secretary nodded. "Yes, m'am. We've had our best tactical forecasters develop multiple strategies to use against Celestial Being as well as anti-Gundam weaponry. All of this is being kept off of Veda and within private terminals. That being said, all our preparations have been based off data from the last Gundam sighting from two years ago. I believe it is safe to assume that Celestial Being has also been improving their combat capabilities since we've last seen them. Further more, the Gadelaza was expected to be our trump card against the Gundams."
"Are there any other soldiers who are capable of becoming Innovators?" the Vice President asked.
"Even if there we could find one, I doubt they'd be at Captain Shaman's level. We've have been training and testing his abilities since we discovered his Innovator status," the Defense Secretary replied.
The Director of Intelligence coughed. "Back to the topic of Captain Shaman's disappearance, an investigation is already underway."
Celestial Being Mothership, Briefing Room
Patrick scratched the back of his neck and watched while Kati and... General Whoever were going over the emergency they had. There were a few other personnel in the room who also remained silent. Tension was thick enough in the air to cut. Patrick thought that it really sucked. Things had been so easygoing since they came to the Celestial Being mothership.
It was through dumb luck that Patrick had heard about Captain Shaman's situation. He had been passing by when he heard some commotion going on in the room. And he also happened to walk at the right moment to hear about what the scouts had found. Once he had gotten the news, he made a quick dash to tell Kati.
"We are to report anything significant we find directly to the Defense Secretary," the General said.
"Yes, I understand that but there won't be anything to report unless we actually send an investigation team out to the site of the attack." Kati retorted, barely restraining her annoyance.
"We should first make sure that the situation is contained on this base," The General said while his gaze shifted over to Patrick. "Some might not be able to keep such delicate information from leaking to the public."
"Hey! What's that suppose to mean?" Patrick snapped. The soldier couldn't deny that he wasn't exactly the brightest guy around but even he knew how important it was to keep this news a secret. He deserved some credit.
"Tell me you've at least taken safety measures," Kati said, ignoring her husband's outburst.
"We've increased security around the Gadelaza. No one can so much as look at it without our notice. We have put a hold on all outgoing transmissions save for those sent to the Defense Secretary."
"How many here know the situation?" Kati asked.
"I've managed to keep the information down to as few as possible. Of course, word will eventually spread through the rest of the base. We'll need to monitor the personnel on this vessel closely."
"Make sure that all information is stored off of Veda," Kati warned.
"So can someone explain to me what happened exactly?" Patrick asked. Everyone looked at him with incredulous stares.
"Perhaps someone can explain the situation to Lieutenant Mannequin," the General quipped.
"Very well," Kati muttered. "Let's go over what we know once more."
Ptolemaios, Conference Room
"This is the area where the remains of the transport ship was found. Scouts had been sent out when the ship had failed to arrive on schedule," Tieria explained as an icon appeared to mark the location on the map while Sumeragi stood close to him. The entire crew gave the two their undivided attention. Sumeragi herself was placing her focus on the map and the indications Tieria had laid out.
"Whoever attacked the ship needed to know when Descartes was leaving as well as his ship's course and coordinate their attack at the right moment. They were able to approach the vessel without being spotted by others," Sumeragi mused. "How well guarded was Descartes Shaman?"
"The transport ship was accompanied by two fully armed cruisers, each supported by its own squad of mobile suits. It would take quite some fire power to defeat them so easily. What's shocking is the fact that they were discovered."
"So do you think someone got information from the inside?" Lyle responded. "I doubt this was just a random attack."
"It's difficult to say. The news of Shaman's departure was made public while the timing and the course were not revealed. But I suppose that could be a possibility," Tieria speculated.
Sumeragi cupped her chin. "What worries me is that this attack wasn't known until after the matter. They should have been able to send out a distress signal."
Tieria nodded. "I was about to make that point myself. We know that one of the three new Gundams is able to generate a stealth field. Unless all three ships were wiped out simultaneously, it stands to reason that the new Gundam had to be there."
"So then the new enemy has changed their sights to the Federation. If they had taken Descartes Shaman alive, could that be the reason they were after the Qan(T) and the GN drives?" Allelujah wondered.
"That can't be too far off. At least now we have an idea of what these guys are after. I got to say that it seems like their going after something big," Lyle muttered.
Tieria coughed loudly. "Let's put our focus back on Descartes Shaman."
"So what should we be doing now?" Mileina asked.
Tieria pondered for a moment. "Right now, the Federation should be conducting their own investigation. We still should stay in the shadows and refrain from crossing paths"
"I agree," Sumeragi added. "We can't interfere with the Federation too much at this time."
"Now that we've resupplied, I believe it's time we returned to Earth. I'll also be assigning some more personnel to the Ptolemaios. Some additional hands will make it easier for the rest of us."
"Miss Sumeragi, I think we should head back to the Federation capital," Setsuna suggested.
"Why do you say that?" the tactical forecaster asked.
"If the attempt on the GN drives is linked to Descartes Shaman's disappearance, we might find a lead if we can locate the Innovade I saw," Setsuna explained.
Sumeragi wasn't sure if she liked the sound of that idea. Setsuna had been acting so strange lately and, as Tieria mentioned, seemed to be keeping something from the rest of them. But it wasn't like they had any other trails to follow.
Sumeragi finally nodded. "Very well. Our first stop will be the Federation capital. Until we find a lead on Captain Shaman's whereabouts, let's find out if that Innovade has any connection to all of this."
November 6, 2314 A.D: Earth Federation Capital, Commerce District
"We'll split off in to two groups. Lyle and Allelujah will check the northern district while Setsuna and I cover the south. We'll meet back here in a few hours," Tieria ordered. The four Gundam Meisters had arrived in civilian wear, blending in with the sea of people who were going about their everyday lives.
"Good luck," Allelujah said before departing with Lyle.
Tieria and Setsuna didn't say anything to each other as they moved through the city. Tieria wondered if what they were doing would lead them to any answers.
The purple-haired Innovade looked over at his comrade. While there was a possibility of there being a connection between the mysterious new Gundams and the attack on Descartes Shaman's vessel, Tieria wondered if there was something else affecting Setsuna's judgment. Even if they could find this Innovade, Tieria was skeptical that it would help them in their mission. Tieria turned away and began scanning through the crowds.
"Tieria," Setsuna called. The other meister looked at him and Setsuna motioned towards the street in front of him. On the corner was a green-haired Innovade.
"Are you sure that's the same one you saw?" Tieria questioned. There were a number of similar Innovade types in the city.
Setsuna studied the Innovade for a moment. "I'm sure."
The two had brought the Innovade to the city's central park. They had used a coded phrase to alert the Innovade to the fact that they were Celestial Being. After doing so, he was ready for questioning.
"Tell me your name," Tieria ordered.
"The name I was assigned was Isa Rouge," The Innovade answered.
"Were you in the capital on the of October?" Tieria continued.
"I was. It is where I have been assigned by Veda."
"On October fifteenth, what were you doing?"
The Innovade paused. "At first, I was conducting my normal routine. However, I was later given an order by Veda."
Tieria furrowed his brow. "What was the order?"
"To search for the Gundam Meister, Setsuna F. Seiei," Isa answered. Both Setsuna and Tieria looked at each other in shock.
"Veda ordered you to search for Setsuna?" Tieria repeated.
"Correct."
"Did you manage to find Setsuna?"
Isa nodded. "Coincidentally enough, I was able to spot him as he was passing by in a vehicle."
"What were you to do once you found him?"
"I had been instructed to connect directly to Veda," he answered.
"And then?"
"I left the area and continued with my routine."
Tieria glanced over at Setsuna who returned his gaze and shrugged.
"That will be all. Return to your normal routine," Tieria instructed. The Innovade nodded and took his leave.
"He was telling the truth," Setsuna muttered. If anyone could have been able to detect a lie, it would have been the Innovator.
"He wasn't Ribbons," Tieria stated bluntly, not that he had expected that to be the case. Still, there was now the question of why Veda would send the Innovade that order.
"Not while we were speaking to him," Setsuna countered, glaring back at Tieria. He was still dead set on believing that Ribbons was responsible for this entire fiasco.
"Let's say you're right. Let's assume that this is Ribbons. What would that change?" Tieria asked. Setsuna didn't say anything in response to his comrades question.
Tieria adjusted his glasses. "We haven't had a conversation in quite some time. How have your abilities been developing?"
He had decided to quickly change the subject. They had already argued enough over Ribbons and now was as good a time as any to learn how Setsuna had grown as an Innovator. They may very well depend his abilities in the future.
"I've been trying to improve my control over them. I have enough control to use my quantum brainwaves in battle. I can sense what's around me," Setsuna said.
"Is that so?" Tieria responded. "The Federation has been testing and developing Shaman's Innovator abilities. Were you able to get a feel for how his compare to yours?"
Setsuna hesitated. "During the press conference, our quantum brainwaves connected."
Tieria's eyes widened at the statement. "Why didn't you tell us sooner?"
He had no idea what could have happened when the two Innovators came into contact with each other. Tieria chastised himself for not bringing up the subject sooner. With all that had been going on, he had overlooked the possibility of some sort of interaction between Setsuna and Descartes Shaman.
"Those new Gundams were more important. There was so much happening that it slipped my mind," Setsuna explained.
Tieria sighed. "Let's head back to the Ptolemaios. I'll contact Lyle and Allelujah."
Ptolemaios, Bridge
"So the Innovades were instructed to find Setsuna. Does that mean anything to you?" Sumeragi asked Tieria. While it wasn't proof that Ribbons Almark had returned from the grave, Setsuna was correct when he said the Innovade was looking for him. The question they needed to answer was for what purpose.
Tieria nodded. "Given the timing, it might provide evidence that the instructions sent out to the Innovades may be connected with the first attack at the resource satellite."
"Allelujah and I tracked down a couple other Innovades. None of them were able to find Setsuna. So that one you guys spoke to has to be the one Setsuna thought was Ribbons," Lyle reported.
"So what do we do now?" Mileina asked.
"I think our best option would be to stay here on Earth. The Federation will be conducting their own investigation up in space and now wouldn't be a good time to make contact with them," Miss Sumeragi said.
"We remain on Earth then," Tieria announced. "At least until we gather more information on the situation."
"What about Captain Shaman?" Marie asked.
Tieria closed his eyes momentarily in thought. "I believe that he is connected to all of this. We'll leave his safety in the hands of the Federation for the time being."
"Then where do we go from here?" Setsuna questioned.
"There is that old base we have in the Pacific Islands. That should be far enough for us to go unnoticed," Sumeragi said.
Pacific Islands
The Ptolemaios approached the island they had previously used as a base during the beginning of their interventions. The sun was setting by the time they had docked the ship. The crew stepped out of the Ptolemaios and entered the empty hangar.
"So this is where you used to go after missions," Mileina remarked.
Lyle looked back out the hangar to the ocean water reflecting the sunlight. "Not a bad place to stay."
"Wait!" shouted Tieria. Everyone came to a halt.
"What's wrong?"
Tieria looked around the hangar. "Someone's been here."
"What?" Marie gasped.
"What makes you say that?" Allelujah asked.
"Take a look at this place. Does it look like it's been abandoned for seven years? Someone's been here," Tieria observed.
"Then what should we do?" Feldt asked.
"The rest of you should remain here for now. I'm going to check the rest of the base and make sure it's safe," Tieria ordered.
"Why go by yourself?" Mileina asked.
"It's safer that way. Tieria can always create a new body as long as his consciousness is linked with Veda," Miss Sumeragi explained.
Tieria turned to enter the facility. "I'll contact you after I've searched the base. Wait here until you hear back from me."
"Mr. Erde's been in there a while, hasn't he?" Mileina moaned loudly.
"You know how Tieria is. He's just being thorough," Lyle responded.
Most of the crew were waiting outside the Ptolemaios. The additional members that Tieria had brought aboard chose to remain within the ship. The wait had been uneventful since Tieria had entered the base.
"He hasn't been gone long enough to cause alarm, Mileina. I'm sure Tieria's fine," Miss Sumeragi informed. She looked over towards Allelujah and Marie who were next to her. "You three wouldn't happen to be able to sense anything, would you?"
The two exchanged glances and shook their heads.
"If there was anything to sense, I'm sure we would have by now," Marie said. "We've been here for a while. I think we would know if there was someone here after this long."
"Well, aren't those quantum brainwaves a useful thing to have?" Lyle joked.
"They have their advantages," Allelujah replied with a grin.
Lyle chuckled. "Not that I'm complaining, but how long do you plan on having us stay here? I know we want to stay under the radar, but there's only so much we can do on an island."
"We'll wait and see if any progress is made on the Federation's part," Miss Sumeragi answered. "Truthfully, I'm hoping that they can solve this crisis on their own."
"I know. You want them to be able to handle problems on their own," Allelujah said.
"Those battles we fought wouldn't have been for much if it couldn't establish an effective government," Marie said.
"Anyway," Mileina said. "Should we head back up to the Ptolemaios. I know you guys say its safe here, but we don't even know if we can stay at this base."
"If you want you can go ahead. We'll know when Tieria gets back," Sumeragi said. "There's not much else we can do but wait."
Feldt looked around. "Where's Setsuna?"
Despite Tieria's orders, Setsuna's intuition told him to go into the base. While the others were distracted by their conversation, he had slipped away into the base. He couldn't escape the feeling that he would find something in there. As he wandered through the facility, he hadn't spotted or sensed another life.
He entered the residential sector of the base. It was just as silent here as it was in the rest of the facilities. If Tieria was right about there being someone else here, that was no longer the case. At random, Setsuna chose to enter one of the rooms. From first glance, nothing looked out of the ordinary. Then, Setsuna's eyes fell onto something placed on the bed. He walked and picked up an old photograph. He nearly dropped it when he saw what was on it. As worn as the photo was, he could still make out himself and his old friends from their time in the KPSA.
"Kamal," Setsuna whispered. His heartbeat rose as the picture brought flashes of his past to the forefront. Even after all these years, the memories were still so fresh in his mind. The sights and sounds came back to him clear as day.
The muscles in his legs ached as he ran from gunfire.
"Run!"
Explosions could be heard going off all over the city.
"Dammit all!"
The building toppled over and dust scattered through the air.
"S-Soran? Soran!"
Setsuna snapped out of his reverie when he sensed Tieria approaching. He quickly slipped the photo into his pocket as the other meister stepped through the open door. Tieria looked surprise to see Setsuna in the room.
"Setsuna? I told you all to stay back on the ship," Tieria said. "We don't know if it's safe here yet."
"If they wanted us dead, there'd be a better trap," Setsuna responded.
Tieria shook his head in exasperation. "That's not a reason to disobey my orders. In any case, what were you doing in here?"
"Investigating. I think that someone was using this base."
Tieria raised an eyebrow. "You can sense that?"
Setsuna shook his head. "Not exactly. I just have a feeling."
"I see," Tieria replied. "Well, I would have to agree. The facilities don't look as if they've been abandoned for years. In fact, the base seemed to have been in use not too long ago. Now we just have to find out what they were doing here. That may take some time though."
Setsuna moved to walk out of the door. "I'll head back to the Ptolemaios."
The meister noticed that Tieria didn't make any motion to join him on his way back to the others. He walked as calmly as he could, trying to put what he had found in the back of his mind. Setsuna could feel Tieria's suspicious eyes following him as he made his way down the hallway.
November 9, 2314 A.D: Space Colony Eclipse, Hallway
Descartes moved down the passageway with Scheris following him. The two were dressed in what were apparently going to be the uniforms of their organization. Modified A-laws uniforms colored white and grey with black trimmings. Descartes wasn't sure if he was a fan of the style. His friend had requested his assistance in a matter that would affect their plans. Since his friend had gone through great lengths to free him, Descartes was obligated to offer his aid.
"You wouldn't happen to know where our good friend is now, would you?" Descartes asked his companion.
"No, sir," his escort answered.
Descartes chuckled. "Always on the move. The very least he could do is give us fair warning."
"I agree, sir," Scheris replied, stone-faced as ever.
Descartes eyed his companion. Scheris Talion had been his loyal guide since he had arrived at the colony. She had been mostly pleasant company, answering any questions that she was able to and looking out for his well being. Shame she always maintained such an austere attitude.
"You should try to smile more, Scheris. It's a waste to have a face like yours carrying a frown," Descartes told his escort.
Scheris paused. "You wouldn't be the first to say that, sir."
Although her outer demeanor hadn't changed, Descartes could still get a good feeling of her emotions. Nostalgia and sorrow. He opted to remain silent rather than risk opening old woulds by being thoughtless.
The two reached the entrance to the room they were instructed to go to. Beyond the door, Descartes could sense discontent. Five different minds pouring out emotions. He quickly straightened his uniform. He glanced at Scheris who gave him a confirming nod.
He and Scheris entered the room, drawing all attention on them. Scheris took her place at the side of the door while Descartes moved towards the center of the room. There at the table was Julius and the four guests. Two men, one blonde and the other with a mustache, and two women, an older looking one and another with red hair. Their names slipped his mind at the moment, but he did know that they were colony representatives. Judging from the reactions to his presence, they most certainly recognized him.
A red-haired woman on the right shot Julius a glare. "Why's a Federation soldier on this colony? Especially such a high profiled one."
"What's going on here, Julius?" the blonde man snapped.
"There's an explanation," Julius replied, trying his best to look calm. Descartes, however, could sense the distress that he was hiding slowly being replaced by some relief. Clearly whatever conversation they were having hadn't been going well on his part.
Descartes stepped forward. "I'm not surprised that you didn't know. The Federation has gone to great lengths to hide my disappearance. I suppose that the colony representatives such as yourselves weren't important enough to get the memo."
"What are you talking about?" the red-haired woman asked.
Descartes smiled as he circled the table. "After I had departed from Earth, the ship I was on was intercepted and I was relinquished from the Federation's grasp. The government is fully aware of my disappearance and are in the process of searching for me. However, it seems that they wish to keep that little fact on a need to know basis. One could only imagine what the world would think if the Federation proved to be unable to protect the first known Innovator."
The mustached man eyed him suspiciously. "What do you want? I doubt you're here to monologue."
Descartes carried on as if he heard nothing. "And the Federation has a reputation to uphold. The foundation this current administration was built on was rocky to say the least. Why, their every move is observed with scrutiny by other nations of Earth. They must be quite delicate in maintaining strong relations with nations not under their flag."
"As much as I'm enjoying this lesson, what does that have to do with us?" the blonde politician asked.
"Well, the Federation's only extends to nations of Earth. It is to my understanding that each of you has appealed for independence and you all were denied. The Federation has ignored you and your people. Treating you without the respect deserving of true nation. Burdening you in order to appease other nations who could care less for your welfare."
"Your point?"
"If the Federation won't grant the colonies independence, I believe it is time that you take independence for yourselves," Descartes declared. The blonde man responded by bursting out in laughter.
"And do you think that the Federation will just take our secession without a fight? How would we defend ourselves? Our armed forces combined wouldn't be enough to hold off the Federation army. Are you going to fight the Federation on your own on our behalf?"
"I could, but that won't be necessary," Descartes replied.
"Suppose we do agree. How do you expect the colonies to sustain themselves? We still depend on the Earth for the support they provide." the red-haired woman said.
Descartes glanced at Julius. "You didn't tell them?"
Julius slowly shook his head. Descartes pulled out a drive from his pocket and plugged it into the table. "We all know that your support has been reduced in order to provide aid to other nations. Take a look at this data."
In front of each of the guest, a screen was projected. Their eyes widened as they studied the information presented to them.
"When was this recorded?"
Descartes shrugged. "I'm not exactly sure but I would say within a month's time. It was provided by a special acquaintance of mine. He has had a special interest in humanity's advancement into space."
"You expect us to take this information seriously? You're insane," The older woman retorted.
"I can assure you that this data is genuine."
Descartes strolled around the table. "With or without your aid, my companions and I will move forward with our plan. You could contact the Federation and attempt to curry favor. But the colonies haven't been high on their priority list. I doubt you would gain much from doing so. Perhaps a nice pat on the back."
"Get to the point!" the blonde man shouted.
"I am offering you a chance to be a part of something greater. You would no longer be puppets of the Earth government but leaders of a new era. Humanity will evolve beyond the scope of Earth. Our future lies with the stars. It is my duty to make that future a reality," Descartes said as he extended his hand towards the group. "All I ask is that you follow me into that brighter world."
The four representatives eyed each other, none daring to speak first. However, Descartes knew what their answers were. Their intentions were clear as day to him. They were only human after all.
November 13, 2314 A.D:Space Colony Eclipse, Lounge
Descartes scrolled his terminal reading pages of text. The Innovade had provided him with a report written by Aeolia Schenburg himself. All in all, it was a fascinating read. Aeolia Schenburg certainly wasn't an ordinary human being. Although it lost its novelty by the fourth read. Since his meeting with the colony representatives, Descartes hadn't had much to do. His friend had also been preoccupied with other matters and hadn't made an appearance in quite some time. All the Innovator could do was wait around the colony killing time.
Currently, Descartes found himself occupying a room with his companions as he swept read his device. The other three Gundam pilots lounged around with him. He hadn't had much chance to get to know the rest of the forces that resided at the colony, but there wasn't a need yet. There would be time for that later.
They were tasked with remaining on the colony until further notice. Perhaps it was time to change finally made a decision on a thought that had been building in his mind. He rose sharply and suddenly, drawing the attention of the other three.
"Are you feeling alright?" Scheris asked.
"I'm fine, Scheris," Descartes answered. "I'm just thinking that it's time I took the initiative."
Scheris raised an eyebrow "Sir?"
"We were to wait here until further notice, correct?"
Scheris' eyes narrowed. "That was the plan."
"I think it's time we paid a visit to our friends aboard the Ptolemaios," Descartes announced, startling the three Gundam Meisters.
"Now that's a plan I like," Kamal said with a feral grin. "But what are you going to do with Soran?"
Kamal hadn't been overly fond of Descartes, a fact that he hadn't been remotely discrete about. The fact that he was ordered to refrain from killing Setsuna and privy to Descartes' interest in the other Innovator was obviously the cause.
"I want only to exchange words with him. If the situation allows, you and he may have a chance to do the same," Descartes offered, knowing full well that holding a conversation wasn't what Kamal had in mind.
His words were enough to convince Kamal. "Then I'm in."
"When do we leave?" Cypher asked.
"Hold on a minute!" Scheris snapped. "Have you lost your mind? Celestial Being and the Federation are looking for you and you want to go to Earth?"
Descartes picked up on more than Scheris' unwillingness to go against their ally's wishes. Although she didn't say it out loud, Descartes picked up on the woman's concern for Cypher's safety. She seemed to hold some affection for the boy. Nostalgic affection from what he could gather.
"I will make sure that we all return safely."
The woman, rather surprisingly, pulled Descartes to the side. "The issue isn't just about our safety. What are you trying to accomplish by going to there? You're jeopardizing the mission."
"Have you ever thought of the possibility that we and Celestial Being being allies? If there is a chance for us to work together, we should see that it happens."
"Work together?" Scheris hissed. Boiling rage surfaced, both through her expression and her emotions. "That's not going to happen. Even if I was willing to go along with it, do you honestly expect Kamal and Cypher to work with them? Or how about the rest of our forces? I can say for certain that none of them are going to work with any one from Celestial Being."
"Setsuna is an Innovator. His assistance could be invaluable. Imagine what he and I could accomplish together," Descartes countered.
Scheris leaned closer to Descartes. "Do you honestly think that that's a good idea? It might be too soon to-"
Descartes cut her off. "I'll take care of it. I only ask that you trust me."
The woman hesitated before sighing. "Very well."
Scheris still gave feelings of objection to his plan, but seemed to resign herself to following his lead. Whether it was because she saw him as her superior or because she had pictured what the first two Innovators could do together, Descartes didn't bother to find out.
Descartes smiled. "Then we'd best start preparing for departure."
An hour later, Descartes found himself in the hangar ready to board his ship. His comrades were already on the ship waiting for him. He was about to join them when he felt a presence behind him. He smiled knowing who it was.
"Don't you think you're being reckless?" the Innovade suddenly said. "I had not expected you to meet with Celestial Being so soon."
"Well, you haven't given me much to do the last few days. I'd thought I'd find something to keep myself occupied," Descartes answered with a smirk on his lips.
"The Ptolemaios will be prepared for another engagement. They could attack you before you are able to establish contact."
Descartes tapped his forehead. "Setsuna will know that I am there. Once they know that, they will want to secure my safety."
"You would put yourself at risk just to meet that man?"
"To meet with a possible ally," Descartes answered. No matter how much disdain his friend had for Setsuna F. Seiei, neither could deny the benefits it would bring to have him on their side.
"You are still giving up an advantage by revealing yourself this early in the plan," the Innovade noted.
Descartes turned to face his friend. "Is that a problem?"
"You've made your decision. I won't stop you. In fact, I'll provide you with their current location," the Innovade answered.
Descartes laughed lightly. "You have my thanks."
His friend nodded and left the Innovade body. Descartes entered the ship. To think that he would want to return to Earth after only couple weeks free from the Federation. But to meet Setsuna in person would make the journey worth it.
The Innovator entered the bridge. His three companions were already there waiting for him along with a few operators at their stations.
"We're ready for departure, sir," Scheris stated.
"Good. Now then, let's go greet our friends on the Ptolemaios," Descartes said jovially as he took a seat.
It was time he and Setsuna met face to face.
November 14, 2314 A.D: Ptolemaios, Pilot Quarters
Setsuna rested on his bed, stewing in his own thoughts. Tieria was beginning to feel concerned about Setsuna's behavior. A sentiment that was shared with the rest of the crew. No one said anything directly, but Setsuna had been able to sense it. He was at a loss at what to do about that. What could he possibly tell them?
After investigating the base, they hadn't found anything dangerous. For precautionary purposes, they chose to stay mostly on the Ptolemaios. There were still no leads to Innovade's orders or Descartes Shaman's whereabouts. From what information they could get out of the Federation's own efforts, no progress had been made on either side. After spending the last week on the pacific island base, the crew decided that it was best to head back to space.
Setsuna pulled out the photograph that he had taken from the base. As worn as it was, he could still make out the faces of his old friends. The photo had been taken before the real fighting had began. Before the losses and fighting had broken them. A few of them were even smiling, anxious for the chance to prove their worth on the battlefield. If only they had known what the future had in store for them.
Setsuna's thoughts switched over to his former friend. How different would the present be if he had made another choice back then. Kamal had become a Gundam Meister and developed quantum brainwaves to settle the score. It was a matter that could only be put at rest between the two of them from the decision Setsuna had made all those years ago. Getting the others involved would only complicate things. This was his fight and they had no part in it.
The Gundam Meister's fist tightened. This had to have been Ribbons' plan. That bastard must have sought out Kamal in order to get to him. Setsuna hated to say that it initially worked. Ribbons must have also gotten that child super soldier to do the same to Allelujah and Marie.
The Ptolemaios' comm system turned on and Mileina's voice spoke. "Enemy ship detected and approaching us from above. All Gundam Meisters prepare for combat."
Setsuna jumped to his feet and raced out the door. Before he could reach the hangar he came to a complete halt when he felt a faint yet familiar pressure. There could only be one person who could create such signature and Setsuna had felt it not too long ago.
The Gundam Meister hurried to the mobile suit hangar. By the time he arrived, the others had already boarded their mobile suits and were starting to launch out. Letting out a growl of frustration, Setsuna rushed into 00 and opened all communication channels. In hindsight, he should have alerted the crew from one of the Ptolemaios' terminal panels.
"Don't attack that ship!" Setsuna shouted once he connected to an open channel to the bridge and the other Gundams.
Miss Sumeragi was surprised by his outburst. "What's going on, Setsuna?"
"Descartes Shaman is there," Setsuna answered. "He's on that ship."
"What? Are you positive about that?"
"I know it. I can sense him on that ship."
"All Gundam Meisters, remain on standby," Miss Sumeragi commanded quickly. "Descartes Shaman's safety is our first priority. We will only engage in battle if there is no other choice."
"Miss Sumeragi, I'm heading out," Setsuna declared.
"Setsuna, wait-" the tactical forecaster managed to say before Setsuna cut off the channel. He flew out of the hangar while he had the chance. Zabanya, Harute, and Raphael, without the backpack attached, were floating in the air in accordance to Miss Sumeragi's orders. Ignoring his comrades, Setsuna headed straight towards the center of the combat area.
Setsuna gritted his teeth before trying to calm himself down. He waited for the GN particles to disperse through the sky so that he could expand his quantum brainwaves. Now was the time for him to focus. Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the enemy ship.
He could feel Descartes Shaman's presence clearly on the ship, the other Innovator putting as much effort searching for his as well. Along with his signature, Setsuna could sense Kamal and his two companions. So they were tied to his disappearance. It was starting to come together.
Setsuna's grip tightened as he eyed the vessel in front of him. One way or another, they were going to get answers.
Author's Note: Originally, the events of chapter eight and nine were supposed to take place across a more chapters but were condensed because it's taken so long. Next chapter will finally answer questions. I'm revealing the Innovade's identity because I think it's been more than long enough. Looking back, keeping it a secret might have been a mistake.
The additional crew members aren't going to be important characters. I just felt like the Ptolemaios seemed under staffed. For the record, I have no experience or knowledge how a warship is staffed.
Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the chapter.